Franklin Candidate Interview: Timothy Keenan

This interview with Tim Keenan, candidate for Franklin School Committee in 2019, was collaborated on via email. We reviewed the following questions, some of them were ‘crowd sourced.’ Some of you may remember the call for input solicited in August 2019 for this election. Thank you for your contributions.

Hopefully, the information provided here, and in the other interviews, will enable the Franklin voters to make a good choice among the candidates for each position.

For the following FM presents the question. TK represents Tim’s response.

FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?

TK = We are fortunate to have many wonderful opportunities to volunteer with different groups in Franklin! I’m a working parent (with two jobs) and a father of two in the public school system… so my volunteer activities tend to be focused around school activities. Some examples… I have been a field trip volunteer multiple times for both of my kids. (Those of you with kids know that it sometimes helps to keep it even between your kids!!) I have also volunteered for sports day for both my kids in multiple years. 

I enjoy the kid-centered volunteer opportunities because my passion is centered around delivering enriching experiences for kids. Such experiences can help kids acquire knowledge, new skills and build confidence.

While my business in Franklin, Strive Ninja Fitness, is not a charity organization, it is focused on delivering similar enriching experiences for kids. I’m the owner of the business… so it’s hard to call my efforts at Strive volunteer. However, I am happy to dedicate any extra free time I have to activities at Strive… as I know these are having a positive impact on kids.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?

TK = It is incredible how much Franklin-related news/information exists in Facebook or on the Internet. I’m sure I’m like some other parents who say “wow, I wish I knew about this before” when they discover a new source. That’s how I felt when I first came across Franklin Matters.

In addition to Facebook groups and the local newspaper, I learn of Franklin news/events/etc., through Social Media as well as from friends. It is super helpful when the community is connected and people are raising topics and referring to news items.

Here’s one thing that could be helpful… It would be great to have a spot somewhere online that listed all of the great information/news sources available to Franklin residents. It could be an amazing resource for anyone new to Franklin as well as those who have been here for years. (Now perhaps there is someone out there who might say… that list already exists! If it does… shoot me a message and let me know where I can go to see that list! 😊)

FM = The possibility of a change in school start times was a recent controversial topic taken up by the School Committee. Where do you stand on the issue of school start times in Franklin and what actions do you plan to take around this issue during the next term of the School Committee?

TK =  I could talk for days on this one. (I apologize in advance for the novel I’m sharing on this question.) 

I recognize this is an emotional topic for many in the community who have strong opinions. If my response here upsets anyone… I would be happy to have a civil discussion in regards to my perspective. I assure you that my perspective is research and data-informed. (Please feel free to message me if you would like to discuss.)

Also, while I have diligently educated myself on this topic, I am still open to the possibility that I may have missed something. If someone feels like I have missed some critical research, I would be happy to hear any thoughts in this regard.

I appreciate the community volunteers who dedicated their time over many months to build a point of view on changing school start times. There were a lot of smart and caring individuals on the “Start time” sub-committee and they should be commended for dedicating their time on a topic intended to help our kids.

That said, there are also many intelligent and caring community members who have raised very reasonable thoughts and questions that challenge the idea of changing start times. My sense is that some key community thoughts have been ignored and some key questions unanswered. While I am not fully opposed to the idea of changing start times, a deep assessment of “start time research” (which is not necessarily the same as “sleep research”) has left me skeptical that changing school start times results with slam-dunk benefits. I say this as someone with extensive professional research and analytic experience who has obsessively educated myself on this topic.

I can’t claim this with 100% certainty, but I would venture to guess that I have amassed as much or more knowledge and insight on this topic as anyone in the community. In addition to educating myself by reading a large amount of “start time” research, I believe I have taken steps that go beyond what the start time committee considered on this topic. Some examples…

• I have communicated with multiple authors of start time researcher studies, including the author of the original position statement that suggests 8:30am or later for high school start times
• I obtained data from published studies in order to conduct analysis
• I have assessed trended standard test scores for Massachusetts schools that have made start time changes
• I have exchanged messages on the subject with faculty of Minneapolis high school districts that were part of the highly referenced 1998 study that changed start times from 7:15 to 8:40… and then later moved start times back (between 8 and 8:15)

I feel strongly that I have pertinent information that has likely extended beyond what the committee considered. Unfortunately, I have been frustrated and disappointed that some committee members (who support changing start times) have largely ignored my attempts to share information that I believe can be impactful to the discussion. This made me feel like the committee felt like they had “the answer” and they were not interested in any alternate viewpoints.

For community members who believe any skepticism is unfounded… I encourage you to watch the YouTube replay of the Parent Education event from Feb 2019 at Franklin High School. Within 60 seconds of taking the podium at this event, the event’s sleep research expert (brought in by the committee… Dr Robert Thomas, a Harvard Med School faculty member) stated “I am one of the skeptics of school time changes…” He goes on to explain why he is skeptical. I am not trying to misrepresent… I encourage all community members to form their own opinions by watching the YouTube video.

I believe one can further understand skepticism if there is recognition that it is possible for both of these to be true:

1. Adolescents need (or could at least benefit from) more sleep
2. Changing high school start times (to be 8:30 or later) has not proven to be a solution that provides compelling benefits that clearly exceeds potential costs associated with making a change

In other words, it’s possible to believe that adolescents need more sleep AND also believe that changing start times is not a proven sufficient solution.

Aligned with the last couple of points, it is also important to note that “sleep research” is not necessarily the same as “start time research”. In fact, it’s very possible for the following to be true:

1. Research that underscores the importance of sleep can be highly compelling
2. Research focused on measuring the benefits of changing school start times might not be highly compelling

In fact, I arrived at a perspective that aligns with these two points. Specifically, while the benefits of sufficient sleep are strongly supported in research, the research on “start time changes” does not feel highly compelling (in my opinion).

I have more information, but I’ll share 3 data-driven points that I think are meaningful (that have probably not been sufficiently discussed/considered in the discussion). It’s important to note that these points are all data-driven:

1. The average high schooler can (and does, or at least used to) go to bed at 10:30pm (with Freshman around 10pm and moving closer to 11pm by the time they are seniors). I can cite 4 separate research studies (all from highly regarded researchers/sources on this topic) that support this point
2. Past studies (by sleep/start time researchers) showed a correlation between BEDTIME and grades for high school students (A’s 10:30pm bedtime… Ds/Fs had bedtime after 11pm)
3. One of the seminal studies on this topic looked at 7 high schools in Minneapolis that moved their start times later in 1997… to 8:40am. NONE of the 7 Minneapolis high schools that moved start times to 8:40am in 1997 currently have a start time that late. All of them have moved their Five of the 7 have start times between 8 and 8:15. The principal of one of these high schools cited sports, activities and jobs among the factors to move earlier

These points are all important.

If we acknowledge #1 (10:30pm average bedtime for high schoolers)… then an 8:30am high school start time is NOT NEEDED to get 8 hours of sleep. (With a 10:30pm bedtime, a 6:30am wake-time gives kids 8 hours of sleep. So it’s reasonable to suggest that we don’t need an 8:30am start time if kids can get 8 hours of sleep with a 6:30am wake time)

If we recognize #2… then this can be a compelling point for parents to know (and decide or not if they might want to promote any night time changes for their kids)

If we are aware of #3 then we should see a clear example of communities that realized pain from making a change and they moved start times earlier (not back to their original place, but earlier than the AAP recommendation of 8:30am that California is currently pursuing)

(If you have made it this far… sorry, I told you I could talk for days on this one!! 😊)

In an effort to discover whether I have missed something, I have asked an open question to members who worked on the committee point of view. Specifically, I asked for any examples of specific “start time” studies that the start time committee found particularly compelling. To date I have not found anyone willing to share a specific “start time” study they found the most compelling.

If we are being honest as a community, the discussion on this topic has probably been sub-optimal. I have seen some unfortunate resentment build upon both sides, some directed towards me. I believe the superintendent’s pause on this topic has given us a great opportunity to re-evaluate the way we approach the dialogue.

We can ultimately have more productive conversations when we recognize that we have highly intelligent and caring people on both sides. Additionally, I believe we can find common ground if we come together and recognize a large majority on both sides have the same objective: most want to do what is best for kids. Further… we should listen and consider anyone who wants to share a voice on this (and any topic). It is a GREAT thing when the community is engaged!!

FM = While the current School Committee has attempted to reach the community through various forms of communication including coffee chats, email newsletters, attending events such as the farmers market, etc., they have been generally unsuccessful at increasing the engagement with important issues related to the schools. What actions will you take to increase citizen engagement with the School Committee?

TK = Since I yammered on so much with the “start time” question, I’ll try to be brief here…

I believe that we all benefit from more community engagement/involvement. I am appreciative of anyone that wants to volunteer time and thought to enrich the educational experiences and lives of our kids.

First, when people do engage, we need to make sure they understand their voices are heard and considered. There are tons of intelligent and caring people in Franklin… and great ideas, thoughts, etc., can come from anyone. If we do not show that we are listening and considering, community members will not be further encouraged to stay involved/engaged.

I think one thing we can do is to look to other towns/communities that might be having strong success with engagement (between committees and community members). We can develop an understanding from these towns on what has/has not worked. Past Franklin committee members (and the broader community) can also be sources for ideas on how to increase engagement.

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that the School Committee investigate the possibility of closing Davis Thayer Elementary as a possible cost-saving mechanism for the town in these tight economic times. Where do you stand on this issue and what actions will you take to support your stance?

TK =  I believe it is a positive that I do not have a pre-set opinion in regards to whether Davis Thayer should be closed. As an analytically-minded individual, I prefer to develop data-informed opinions. I believe a structured problem-solving approach could uncover key insights that can inform opinions about the potential closure of Davis Thayer.

I have highly relevant work experiences that can help me contribute on this topic. One pertinent experience is related to facilitating structured problem-solving approaches. Below I’ll provide an initial sense of my perspective… with the assumption that readers recognize that candidates have been asked to limit their response length.

A key step at the beginning of a structured problem-solving approach can be to create a clear and transparent problem statement. This can help those analyzing (and the community) understand key factors driving the discussion.

I could be missing something, but I have seen three main points cited for initiating a closing study:
1. The age and design of the building
2. Decreased district enrollment
3. Economic efficiency

I’m assuming there is greater detail behind the rationale. The process (and community) would benefit from having critical detail integrated into a problem statement so everyone can better understand what is being assessed.

Many questions should be asked to ensure the problem statement is clearly defined. For example, “what aspects of the building design are potentially problematic?” Or “what are the specific data points that suggest decreased enrollment is a persistent problem?”

With a clearly defined problem statement we can better develop an analytic plan that can inform our opinions and recommendations.

Importantly, the emotion associated with the topic should receive careful consideration as a critical input. Accordingly, it will be critical to hear and consider all voices and perspectives in regards to the current situation.

FM = Why should I vote for you?

TK = The School Committee is a team and I can be counted on to be one of the candidates who can be a key contributor on the best possible School Committee for Franklin.
I believe the optimal School Committee would function as a team made up by people who are complementary, supportive, respectful and collaborative. I can fit in and strongly contribute in those ways.

I will bring a unique perspective to the School Committee. First, as mentioned earlier, I am a working father with two kids in our public school system. My kids have many wonderful characteristics as well as challenges they face. I can relate to the struggles of busy parents who have kids that face different challenges in their school and outside lives. 

Additionally, I have strong work experiences from running a kid-centric business in Franklin (Strive Ninja Fitness) plus a corporate job in research/analytics and strategy. People who know me from my Franklin business understand that I care deeply about kids and their families. Those who know me from my corporate life understand that I am highly experienced with facilitating structured, data-driven decision making. 

I say this with strong commitment: If I am fortunately enough to get elected, I can be counted on to do a great job and 100% of my committee efforts will be dedicated to promoting decisions in the best interests of kids and their families.

Franklin Candidate Interview: Tim Keenan

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

Franklin Candidate Interview: Judith Pond Pfeffer

This interview with Judith Pond Pfeffer, candidate for Franklin School Committee in 2019, was collaborated on via email. We reviewed the following questions, some of them were ‘crowd sourced.’ Some of you may remember the call for input solicited in August 2019 for this election. Thank you for your contributions.

Hopefully, the information provided here, and in the other interviews, will enable the Franklin voters to make a good choice among the candidates for each position.

For the following FM presents the question. JPP represents Judy’s response.

FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?

JPP = Volunteer with Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc, Friends of Franklin Library, Inc., current appointed member of the Affordable Housing Trust, recently served 20 years on the Franklin Town Council and was Chair of the recent Franklin Library Construction and Renovation project. Have been an appointed member of the Finance Committee as well.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?

JPP = I have an E-Edition of the Milford Daily News delivered daily, member of Franklin Matters which is received daily, do read Facebook sections on Franklin daily. Do read the Gazette each week.

FM = The possibility of a change in school start times was a recent controversial topic taken up by the School Committee. Where do you stand on the issue of school start times in Franklin and what actions do you plan to take around this issue during the next term of the School Committee?

JPP = When I was in high school, those many years ago, high school students did not get enough sleep. Since time immortal middle school and high school kids do not get enough sleep. Changing school time is not going to correct this. When a high school senior goes off to college, the college is not going to change the time of an early morning class so that more sleep is obtained. Having middle and high school start times later causes ripples across the other schools in their start times. Extremely unfair to have younger students starting earlier so older student can sleep a little later.

FM = While the current School Committee has attempted to reach the community through various forms of communication including coffee chats, email newsletters, attending events such as the farmers market, etc., they have been generally unsuccessful at increasing the engagement with important issues related to the schools. What actions will you take to increase citizen engagement with the School Committee?

JPP = There seems to be a chasm between the School Department and the community of Franklin as far as communication. There has not been for numbers of years now any newspaper reporting from the Milford Daily News. No reporters attend Council nor School Committee meetings. It should be mentioned that the Milford Daily News is the recipient of all the Town of Franklin legal reporting to the sum of over Twenty Thousand per year. Not all families have computer access, thus no Franklin Matters and no Facebook info available, nor E-Edition at hand. Perhaps a quarterly mailing to Franklin residents? Perhaps school information being available in the other local paper which is mailed to all residents?

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that the School Committee investigate the possibility of closing Davis Thayer Elementary as a possible cost-saving mechanism for the town in these tight economic times. Where do you stand on this issue and what actions will you take to support your stance?

JPP = Davis Thayer was built in 1924, some upgrades in 1973. I graduated from Davis Thayer and my mother (along time Franklin School Teacher) graduated from that building in the 1920’s. There was a feasibility study done in 2013, at a School Department cost of $25,114.00. That study was never presented to the Town Council for their review. Our current school committee voted unanimously to hire another firm to come in and conduct a multi-year study. No discussion at that meeting as to the existing study not where the funds are to be found to conduct this new study! 

Davis Thayer as it currently sits needs assistance if it is going to remain a school. There is no elevator for handicapped students in this three-story building, bathrooms are not A.D.A. compliant. At the last Council meeting the Town Administrator allocated to the School Department $50,000.00 to pay for a new multi-year study of this building. Instead of going outside and hiring another firm, do this review in house. 

Utilize the old study and then form a committee of two present or former parents of David Thayer students, two present or former teachers from Davis Thayer, one member of the School Committee, one member of the town council, the Building Inspector, the Facilities Director, the Fire Chief. Let these people come back to the School Committee and the Town with their findings. It would also show that the School Committee is considering means of saving money when possible.

FM = Why should I vote for you?

JPP =

• I know how to work between the Council and Town Departments
• Experience and operational knowledge and knowing how the town council works
• Knowledge, wisdom and experience working within the scope of getting results
• Experience in finding better ways to afford items and programs in a tight budget
• And it is always a tight budget

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Franklin Candidate Interview: Judith Pond Pfeffer

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 29, 2019

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made ….
A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment …. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening …. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Recognitions
B. ECDC Developmental Summary

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. ECDC Developmental Summary
I recommend approval of the ECDC Developmental Summary as presented.
B. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Goals
The Chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as detailed.
C. MASC Delegate
I recommend the committee appoint Anne Bergen as its MASC Delegate at the November MASS/MASC Joint Conference.
D. MASC Resolutions
I recommend approval of the following MASC Resolutions as detailed:

1. Resolution 1: Banning Polystyrene from Schools
2. Resolution 2: Pertaining to Educator Diversity and Professional Licensure
3. Resolution 3: School Transportation
4. Resolution 4: Climate Change
5. Resolution 5: Full Funding of Transportation Costs for Students in Foster Care and State Care
6. Resolution 6: Universal Quality Pre-Kindergarten Access in Massachusetts
7. Resolution 7: Poverty and Children
8. Resolution 8: Resolution for Access to Menstrual Supplies
9. Resolution 9: Charter School Reform

E. Policy First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

• a) KF – Community Use of School Facilities
• b) KF – E1 – Rules and Regulations
• c) KF – E2 – FHS Building Use
• d) KF – E4 – FHS Fee Schedule

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. October 1 Enrollment Report

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget, Community Relations, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, SWAC)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your October 15, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,620.00 from various music parents for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.
D. FHS Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $954.28 from All American Publishing for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.
E. Cello Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of a new Strobel 4/4 Cello (valued at $3,259.99) from Monica & David Mann for supplemental supplies at Annie Sullivan Middle School as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

X. Adjournment

The agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Schools page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-29-2019-school-committee-packet

handicap access improvements at Parmenter School made recently

“I think the rivalry has kept both of them sharp"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, writes about the running rivalry between KP's Mike Griffin and FHS's Tyler Brogan

"On Saturday morning at the Wrentham Development Center, one of the top individual rivalries in the Hockomock League had its latest chapter, as King Philip’s Mike Griffin and Franklin’s Tyler Brogan squared off at the annual league cross-country meet. Griffin took first place, by a commanding 16 seconds, for the second straight season, but for the third straight fall Brogan took second at the league meet.

They are two of the top distance runners not only in the Hock but in the state and both admit that having another Div. I-caliber runner (Brogan committed this week to Northeastern, while Griffin has narrowed his choices to Arizona State or Tennessee) to compete against multiple times a season, in cross-country as well as indoor and outdoor track, has propelled them to reach new levels of success.

“Having someone of that caliber of a runner to pretty much always be there to push you has made me a much better runner,” Brogan said. Although he finished second on Saturday, Brogan recently beat Griffin in an invitational meet and edged him this summer in the Tommy Cochary High School Mile in Falmouth. “Sometimes it’s frustrating where we go back-and-forth,” he added, “but the most important thing is having him has made me much more competitive and just overall a better runner.”

Griffin added, “Being able to compete with one of the other best runners in the state obviously makes me go faster.” He compared himself to other elite runners that may not have the same level of competition within their league. He said, “Because I have Brogan and because I have my teammate Mike Norberg, I have to try to win.”

Continue reading the article at HockomockSoorts.com
https://hockomocksports.com/rivalry-pushes-hockomock-runners-into-top-gear/

Franklin’s Tyler Brogan (left) and King Philip’s Mike Griffin have developed a rivalry over three years of competing against each other in cross-country and track. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

FHS girls cross county team takes 2nd place, boys team takes 3rd place at Hockomock League Championships

The Hockomock League held its annual cross country championships on Saturday morning at the Wrentham Development Center. Below are Hockomock cross-country championship team results. The individual results filtered to show just the Franklin High School individual results. The link to the complete results is shown below.

Girls Team Results
1. Sharon – 74
2. Franklin – 90
3. Oliver Ames – 138
4. King Philip – 139
5. Taunton – 147
6. Foxboro – 150
7. Mansfield – 156
8. Milford – 158
9. Attleboro – 185
10. North Attleboro – 191
11. Canton – 227
12. Stoughton – 310

Girls Individual Results
1. Abby Hassman, Foxboro – 18:52.34

10. Sydney Hawkins, Franklin – 20:33.36
12. Sarah Giuliano, Franklin – 20:44.11
18. Caitlyn Casey, Franklin – 21:08.92
24. Charlene Peng, Franklin – 21:32.05
26. Liliana Duffy, Franklin – 21:38.47
36. Ruth Ann Mulvey, Franklin – 22:12.47
38. Angelina Perez, Franklin – 22:15.26
40. Audria Hawkins, Franklin – 22:17.63
43. Emma Nelson, Franklin – 22:25.22
67. Sydney Brady, Franklin – 23:37.67


Boys Team Results
1. Oliver Ames – 66
2. King Philip – 82
3. Franklin – 93
4. Mansfield – 119
5. Taunton – 123
6. Milford – 129
7. Sharon – 148
8. Attleboro – 167
9. North Attleboro – 244
10. Canton – 292
11. Foxboro – 301
12. Stoughton – 361

Boys Individual Results
1. Mike Griffin, King Philip – 15:37.64

2. Tyler Brogan, Franklin – 15:55.97 2
3. Nicholas Calitri, Franklin – 15:58.77
12. Declan Walmsley, Franklin – 16:44.77
33. Griffin Sieczkiewicz, Franklin – 17:44.09
44. Camden Harrington, Franklin – 18:03.68 43
54. Joshua Anderson, Franklin – 18:15.97
55. Alex Towle, Franklin – 18:16.73
65. Jack Clifford, Franklin – 18:28.17
69. Connor Kucich, Franklin – 18:33.96
90. Clancy Golden, Franklin – 19:13.98

For the complete cross country varsity results
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-cross-country-championship-results-2019/

Additional boys and girls JV and Open 3K results can be found on CoolRunning
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/19/ma/Oct26_Hockom_set1.shtml

Photo gallery from the boys races
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/2019-Hockomock-Boys-Cross-Country-Championships/


Photo gallery from the girls races
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/2019-Hockomock-Girls-Cross-Country-Championships-10-26-19/

FHS boys cross country at the start (HockomockSprots.com photo)

FHS girls cross country at the start (HockomockSprots.com photo)

A Night of Comedy with Dave Kane.- Nov 9

The Franklin Knights of Columbus Council 1847 are pleased to host a night of Comedy with Dave Kane. 

His show is MISGIVINGS, it is a comedy that features an evening with an Irish Catholic priest, Father Patrick Aloysius MISGIVINGS. The show is very respectful of the Catholic Church and has been very well received by many area churches.

When/Where
• November 9, 2019:  7:00 - 9:00 PM
• Advance Tickets Price:  $15 ($18 at the door night of the show)
• Where: Old Ben Franklin Charter School Auditorium – Main Street across from St. Mary’s Church

Dave Kane.- Nov 9

• Food: Light refreshments (snacks, drinks, cookies and coffee/tea and water (soda for sale)

Purchasing Tickets

• Online through the K of C Council 1847 website (https://www.kofc1847.org/dave-kane-comedy-show-misgivings (pickup your ticket) at "Will Call"

• By mail: Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 465, Franklin, MA. 02038

• At the Door – A limited number of tickets will be available at the door the night of the Show

Join us for a night of “Devine” laughs, blessings, blarney, bingo and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will support K of C community outreach and service projects.
Any questions can be emailed to: KnightsofColumbus1847@gmail.com

Download a copy of the event flyer as a reminder
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNVlqQjFMUDF4aEFaVk1aaDBnb3pCbmZmTUVr/view?usp=sharing

 

In the News: School Committee candidates

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"On Nov. 5, Franklin voters will have some decision-making to do to fill the School Committee panel. Just two of seven incumbent members are seeking re-election in the biennial town election.

Ten candidates are eyeing seven two-year terms on the school board. They include incumbents Anne Bergen and Mary Jane Scofield, as well as Ernest Carruthers Jr., Jennifer D’Angelo, Timothy Keenan, Joanna Lussier, David McNeill, Judith Pond Pfeffer, Denise Spencer and Elise Stokes.

Polling on Election Day will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St.

To help voters get to know the candidates, the Daily News asked them what inspires them to run and what their top issues are, as well as what makes them the best choice. Below are their responses."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191025/franklin-election-meet-candidates-for-school-committee/1

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

In the News: School Committee candidates

School of the Arts at Dean College: "Arts Mosaic" - Nov 8 and 9

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform "Arts Mosaic", Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, 2019.

Enjoy two evenings of select student and faculty works integrating dance, theatre, music, film and much more. Join us as we enjoy and celebrate the diversity of the arts on the Dean College campus.

The Dean College production of Arts Mosaic will take place in the Guidrey Center in the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin at 8:00 PM both nights. General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

School of the Arts at Dean College: "Arts Mosaic" - Nov 8 and 9

Franklin Candidate Interview: David McNeill

I sat with David McNeill recently to discuss the following questions regarding his candidacy for the Franklin School Committee.

Some of you will recognize the questions as these were collected from the survey we shared in August. While many submitted questions were similar, I tried to select 6 for each Town Council and School Committee candidate that would help to present them to you all, my fellow voters.

As I have shared in prior years, the candidates do get to review the output before it is published but I retain final editing rights. Interviews with candidates are not an exercise I take lightly; it matters greatly to our community to get accurate information from our candidates to enable voters to make an informed decision to run our government.

For the following FM presents the question. DM represents Elise's response.

FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?

DM = That's a very good question. Thank you. This year, I've been quite active with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee. It's been great to be a part of such a civic minded group of people that are very concerned with what's going on in our town, our state, and our country. They're putting on a number of great events in the town. For example, just within this past month, there was a great civics education event at THE BLACK BOX. Something like that is excellent because a lot of people don't have an understanding of what goes into the town government and how things work. It's so important to have that civic understanding to know how we can contribute to that process and have our voices heard.

Another event that happened last week that I was actually part of the planning over the past few months was the climate forum. I wasn't able to attend in the end because it was unfortunately at the same time as the candidate forum, but I understand that it was it was a very well attended event. The climate crisis is such an important issue, and it's great to have an understanding of what is happening with climate change, how that impacts us, and to hear from the experts. They also heard from a legislator about legislation at the state level that we can support.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?

DM = Franklin Matters, of course. I also read articles in The Milford Daily News, Country Gazette, Wicked Local, and The Franklin Local Town Pages. There are a lot of really great news sources out there. Even recently when I was reading The Boston Globe, there was an article about Franklin with the PFAS concern, which isn't typically where I go to for local Franklin news. I opened the article because it is aligned with my work on the environmental committee, and I was surprised to be reading about Franklin. You can never know where Franklin's going to pop up, and there it was. I think it's important to get a broad, sweeping view of what's going on in the town.

FM = The possibility of a change in school start times was a recent controversial topic taken up by the School Committee. Where do you stand on the issue of school start times in Franklin and what actions do you plan to take around this issue during the next term of the School Committee?

DM = First, I'd like to say I think it's very important to ask questions in regard to improving and addressing the mental health and developmental needs of our students. We need to ask those questions to try to understand the mental health trends that are happening in the student population. That's how we can help them improve as students, provide for their development as people, and also allow them to grow and learn in the most conducive manner. Then it’s important to talk with Dr. Ahern and see what feedback she's getting from the school administrations, teachers, as well as parents and students. I think asking questions with the intention of how we can improve students’ mental health and developmental needs is never a mistake. That's why I think it was a good idea to explore the start time change because I believe it was with that good intention.

Of course, it's also very important to get the feedback of the community and have that inform the decision as well. I think that's exactly what has happened with Dr. Ahern’s recent announcement that the school start time discussion is going to be on ‘pause’. They were getting that feedback that the community wasn't ready, and that's OK. I don't think it was wrong to ask the question about school start times in the first place, and if there's action on this issue at the state level, or if there's action later on down the road, I think we'll be better off for having had the discussion now. I think it was a good idea to put it on pause for now as we're going to be facing other big issues, such as the budget shortfall and the Davis Thayer study.

That’s why I think that it is excellent that these questions are being asked for the “Portrait of A Graduate”. How can we improve the experience of students coming up through the system, and what is important to keep in mind in the modern day? What are the most important life skills for them to have? How can we have well-developed, well-rounded people? When the mental health, wellness, and developmental needs of students are being met; not only are they able to learn better, but they're also so much better prepared and equipped to graduate, go out into the world, and become better people and better citizens.

I think the bottom line is, if I were to be elected to the school committee, we always need to be asking questions and seeing things through the lens of how we can we help kids. How can we help the students and do what’s best for them? I don't think we should be afraid of bold ideas that are done with that intention.

FM = While the current School Committee has attempted to reach the community through various forms of communication including coffee chats, email newsletters, attending events such as the farmers market, etc., they have been generally unsuccessful at increasing the engagement with important issues related to the schools. What actions will you take to increase citizen engagement with the School Committee?

DM = Two-way communication is, of course, key as this is a legislative body. We need to have the input of the community, the parents, and all those who are concerned in order to make the best-informed decisions and implement the policies that improve the lives of our students. I know there's been the idea floated of attending sporting events that parents might be attending. I think that's a great idea. We should also ask parents how they would like to be engaged, and what engagement would be most conducive for their schedules to see how they can get more involved.

One way we might be able to do this would be to speak with Dr. Ahern about whether it be possible to send notes home with students that directly ask parents what's the best way to communicate with them and ask for their feedback about what events they would like to attend. It would also be wise to look at high traffic areas that people tend to congregate to engage the community. For example, maybe ask one of the supermarkets if it would be okay to set up a booth or a table at the entrances on a Saturday morning to ask parents, as they're coming into the store, what concerns they have about the schools and what policies would benefit their kids the most. Looking for new ideas and ways of community engagement to get feedback from parents on ways they would like to engage with us is extremely important.

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that the School Committee investigate the possibility of closing Davis Thayer Elementary as a possible cost-saving mechanism for the town in these tight economic times. Where do you stand on this issue and what actions will you take to support your stance?

DM = I think it is worth looking into. Studying the issue and having the research is key to making sure that an evidence-based decision is made. We have a budget shortfall for the School Committee of about $2.3 million, and, if nothing changes, that's not going to fix itself. I think it's important to look at a number of different avenues for addressing the budget shortfall in the long term to understand what cuts we can afford to make. If it's found that it does make sense for the school to close, and it does close, then there would be money that can instead be directed towards other parts of the school system and prevent cuts in other areas.

I think it's important to ask those questions in terms of what are things we can do that would create long-term cost savings. Of course, closing it would be a very disruptive process for the school system and to the community. That's why I think it's important that we have a study to understand if it would make sense and what the best way would be.

FM = Why should I vote for you?

DM = That's a great question. Thank you for asking. I think my perspective and experience have really prepared me to contribute a lot to the School Committee. I grew up in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High in 2009. I am a product of the school system, and I think it's important to have that perspective at the table. Working at the State House as a research analyst, I deal with legislation and policy on a day to day basis, and part of my job is trying to understand how we can make evidence-based policy decisions that make an improvement in our state.

I have chosen that career path because I really believe in the ability of public policy to make widespread improvements in our communities, in our state, and in people's lives. I think that's always done in the best way when those policies are evidence based. I will take that perspective to the School Committee. That experience is very important because one of the primary functions of the School Committee is setting policy for the school system to try to make sure those policies are in line with the long-term strategic goals that have been laid out.

I believe that better decisions are made when there's diversity of perspectives at the table. I think the perspective of a former graduate is important to have in the decision-making process. I’m also a younger person who has had to navigate looking for a job in a modern economy. I also think that’s important to keep in mind when fashioning policies that are going to affect the next generation.

Lastly, as President Bartlet from the show The West Wing said, “Decisions are made by those who show up.” I would encourage everyone to take part in our democratic process on November 5th, and I would greatly appreciate their votes. Thank you.

Franklin Candidate Interview: David McNeill

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Franklin Candidate Interview: Mickey Whitmore

This interview with Mickey Whitmore, candidate for Franklin Town Council in 2019, was collaborated on via email. We reviewed the following questions, some of them were ‘crowd sourced.’ Some of you may remember the call for input solicited in August 2019 for this election. Thank you for your contributions.

Hopefully, the information provided here, and in the other interviews, will enable the Franklin voters to make a good choice among the candidates for each position.

For the following FM presents the question. MW represents Mickey’s response.

FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?

MW = I have been serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) since the last town election. I also volunteered as an assistant coach for my daughter's basketball team over the winter. I don't want to sound corny but I look forward to helping my neighbors with anything I can.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?

MW = I get my Franklin news from Franklin Matters / internet, and through friends.

FM =  For all those running for Town Council: We are in a constant water shortage. We are adding to our population and increasing out need for water. Given that all those who live in Franklin draw their water from the same aquifer, do you support a ban on using water for what I will call cosmetic use (lawn watering) during water shortages, even for those with a private well? If not, why not, considering that those with private wells are still dangerously affecting our water level for uses other than vanity? Or put simply: Do you support the private use of wells for lawn irrigation at times when the town's aquifer is dangerously low for use by the community for essential use in homes and fire prevention?

MW = We should be cautious with our resources. I would be interested in reading the town hydrologist's report to make the best decision about our water.

FM = What degree of development do you feel is appropriate for Franklin, and how would you balance the need for affordable housing, with the need to avoid congestion?

MW = I think we should be conservative with our development and staying slightly above the 10% affordable housing ratio so we don't get forced by the state with an unwanted 40B development.

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that Franklin needs to pass an override measure. What actions will you take to support the passage of this measure?

MW = My personal opinion is that we should only do overrides if there are no other options. I would be interested to see how the voters of Franklin feel about the subject.

FM = Why should I vote for you?

MW = I love this town and feel that I would bring unbiased views to the town council. My goal is to keep this a great town and do what is right for the community as a whole.

Franklin Candidate Interview: Mickey Whitmore

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

FHS volleyball and Football teams win; field hockey team gets a tie on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Friday, Oct 25, 2019

** Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final
– Franklin went on the road and earned a 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-12) sweep, earning a share of the Kelley-Rex division title with a win combined with OA’s win over KP. Allyson Bonnet-Eymard had 10 kills and seven digs, Cailyn Mackintosh handed out 17 assists, and Jill Benoit had seven digs for the Panthers.

** Field Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final
– Attleboro’s Hannah Webster scored the lone goal of the second half to help the Bombardiers earn an impressive draw against the Kelley-Rex champions Franklin. The Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half behind goals from Hanna Richardson and Stephanie Bell (assisted by Amanda Lewandowski) but Attleboro’s Madison Ellis and Anna Beck scored back-to-back goals to tie it 2-2. Richardson (from Lewandowski) scored her second of the half to put Franklin back ahead, 3-2, at halftime. Neilee Hess had 10 saves in net for the Panthers while Olivia Curreri and Molly Collins each had great defensive saves today to help Franklin preserve the tie.

** Football = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 28 – Final
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (F) Thomas Gasbarro 5-yard pass to Jake Davis, Parker Cheuvront XP good; (F) T. Gasbarro 63-yard pass to Jack Nally, P. Cheuvront XP good; (F) T. Gasbarro 32-yard pass to J. Davis, P. Cheuvront XP good.
3rd Quarter: (F) J. Nally 5-yard rush, P. Cheuvront XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-10-25-19/

FHS  volleyball and Football teams win; field hockey team gets a tie on Friday